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16 Towns Similar to Alexandria, VA

This is an aerial view of the skyline of Alexandria, Virginia.

Alexandria is located in the United States, along the Potomac River’s western banks, and is a city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. It has an estimated population of 159,428 as of 2019 and is regarded as one of the most significant locations to live in Virginia. There are many parks, theatres, coffee shops, boutiques, and restaurants, and the city provides inhabitants with an urban atmosphere, with the majority of residents renting their houses.

To say that the town is picturesque is an understatement. Even the City Hall, located on Market Square, is beautiful. It hosts an annual holiday tree lighting event, a weekly farmers market, and other festivities all year. The primary industries in the city are Professional, Technical, and Scientific Services, with about 18,159 employees. The cost of living is 44% above the national median.

1. Beacon Hill, MA

Beacon Hill is a historic neighborhood in North Boston, Massachusetts, located in Suffolk County. The population is 9,023, according to the 2010 United States Census. The area is adorned with Federal-style row houses, small gaslit lanes, and brick walkways.

It is one of Boston’s most attractive and historic neighborhoods. This little section of Boston is home to some of the city’s most prominent sites and attractions, including the beginning of the Freedom Trail.

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Regarded as one of the best places to live in Boston bears its similarity to Alexandria. At 162.4%, the cost of living is above the national average. Accounting for about 74% of the city’s employers, Health Care, Higher Education, and Finance, and Insurance are the city’s leading industries, unlike Alexandria. An average of $160 will get you decent accommodation.

2. Providence, RI

This is a riverside view of the town of Providence in Rhode Island.

Providence is the state capital and most populated city of Rhode Island and one of the United State’s oldest cities. In 2019, its estimated population was 179,883. It is located near Narragansett Bay’s head and Providence River’s mouth, bearing similarity to Alexandria.

As one of the initiating cities to industrialize countrywide, unlike Alexandria, it became known for its textile, jewelry, silverware, and machine tool industries.

Its biggest companies are United Natural Foods and Citizens Financial Group. The city’s cost of living is 105.1%, slightly above the national median. For an average of $110, you’ll get suitable budget-friendly hotel accommodation.

Most travelers stop in Providence, Rhode Island, on their route someplace else. This little city, on the other hand, is well worth a visit in its own right. Must-try foods include calamari, lobster ravioli, clam cakes, coffee milk, and pizza strips.

3. Savannah, GA

This is a close look at the restaurants of River Street in Savannah, Georgia.

In Georgia, US, Savannah is the oldest municipal. With an estimated population of 144,464 as of 2019, bearing similarity to Alexandria, it is the state’s fifth-largest city. In 1996, the Summer Olympics sailing competitions took place here, a significant differentiation to Alexandria.

Savannah’s outstanding infrastructure, a big and trained population, and considerable community and government resources serve a wide range of industries, with the top being advanced manufacturing and aerospace.

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Savannah is a coastal jewel noted for its stunning natural exquisiteness and a plethora of magnificent sites. The city’s rich history, grand Georgian houses, and lofty moss-draped oaks make it a favorite among tourists and an excellent subject for pictures. The city’s living cost is below the national average at 83.2%. With about $64, you will get affordable accommodation.

4. Nantucket, MA

This is a close look at the houses of the upper Main Street in Nantucket, MA.

Famous for whaling, fantastic fishing, foggy weather, iconic holidays, lighthouses, and bay scallops, Nantucket is a great island destination and tourists love it as a summer colony. It is positioned in Massachusetts, about 50 kilometers south of Cape Cod, and has an estimated population of 11,399 as of 2019.

The sandy beaches of Nantucket are some of the most picturesque in the country. The beauty of this city makes it similar to Alexandria. Construction is the largest industry with about 820 employees, with retail trade following closely with about 637 employees.

The living cost on this island is way higher than the national average at a rate of 276.8, differing vastly from Alexandria. Hotels range an average of $233 for a 4-start facility and $36 for a 2-star.

5. Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

This is a seaside road and house in Carmel-by-the-Sea located in Monterey Peninsula of California.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a lovely and romantic coastal area known for its ancient Spanish mission, delightful town atmosphere, and picturesque sandy beach. It is as beautiful as Alexandria. In a setting that feels out of this world, little storybook cottages and lovely Victorian buildings are set in streets lined with trees. Located on the southern side of San Francisco, it is among the most affluent housing markets in the US, about 120 miles out.

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Ideal for coastal living, this small town resembles Alexandria in its aesthetic appeal. It is as incredibly pricey as it is attractive. At 264.6, the cost of living here is way above the national median, differing greatly from Alexandria. The town’s major employers are the La Playa Carmel Hotel and Carmel Realty. On average, hotel accommodation ranges around $150.

6. Marblehead, MA

This is an aerial view of the Marblehead town center including the Marblehead Harbor.

Marblehead is located in Essex County and is considered to be one of the greatest locations to live in Massachusetts, similar to Alexandria in its state. It provides inhabitants with a minimal suburban atmosphere and the majority of homeowners own their houses, unlike Alexandria, who are mainly renters.

There are several coffee shops, parks, and restaurants. The town’s laid-back classic New England atmosphere and stunning rocky shoreline make it a great destination any time of year.

Well known as a major sailing hub for sailors worldwide and the home of the Continental Navy, it offers beautiful vistas of Marblehead Harbor. The town is rich in national historical sites and well-preserved 17th and 18th era architecture. With an estimated population of 20,500 people in 2019, the area has a 7.4% unemployment rate.

Its top companies include HubSpot, MathWorks, and Harvard University. The cost of living is above the national average by 65.4%. Budget accommodation is available at $143.

7. Portsmouth, NH

This is a riverside view of the buildings of the town of Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

Portsmouth is located in Rockingham County and is considered one of the greatest locations to live in New Hampshire, like Alexandria in Virginia. Living in Portsmouth provides people with a thick suburban atmosphere and the majority of locals own their houses, much unlike Alexandria, who are renters.

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Portsmouth, the oldest colony in New Hampshire, was an essential colonial seaport known for fur trafficking and shipbuilding. Major economic sectors include tourism, fishing and agriculture, and retail and service. In 2019, its estimated population was at 21,927, under one-seventh of Alexandria’s.

Due to its coastal position, Portsmouth has played a significant part in numerous pivotal events in British history. It is home to a number of historic structures and has preserved its rich history. With a weekly grocery purchase costing $87, its living cost figures are one of the highest in the UK. On average, hotels range $178, though you can get budget-friendly accommodation from $78.

8. Sandwich, MA

Sandwich, well-known for the glassware, made in the 1800s, is located on Cape Cod’s east end canal in Barnstable County in Massachusetts. It is the Cape’s most picturesque and oldest town. The population as of 2010’s census was 20,675, a fraction of Alexandria’s. Its main industries include construction and manufacturing.

The town is a picturesque, relaxing getaway with beaches and museums, quaint shops, and elegant colonial homes. The overall cost of living is above the national median at 123.4. With about $70, you will get -budget-friendly accommodation. Sandwich’s aesthetic appeal is similar to that of Alexandria’s.

9. Newburyport, MA

This is an aerial view of the Market Square in State Street located in Newburyport, MA.

Located in Massachusetts, in Essex County, this coastal city had an estimated population of 18,289 as of 2019. It is a historic seaport with a thriving tourism sector and forms a portion of Plum Island. Newburyport is well-known for being a lovely seaside city to tour any time of year due to its old-world beauty with a modern twist; new stores and restaurants are continually appearing, yet the old-world appeal remains in this gorgeous location. Its magnificent beauty draws similarity to Alexandria.

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The Newburyport Harbor Light, also known as the Plum Island Light, provides magnificent vistas while guiding vessels across the Merrimack River’s strong currents and undulating sands. The main industry in this city is manufacturing. The living cost is 6% above the Massachusetts median and 38% above the national median. Unlike Alexandria, an average of $160 will get you decent hotel accommodation.

10. Charleston, SC

This is a street view of the historic downtown area of Charleston, South Carolina.

Charleston is located in the US, South Carolina, and is the largest city in the country. The city lies south of South Carolina’s geographical midpoint. Its population’s estimate is 137,566 as of 2019, almost close to that of Alexandria.

There are several key industries in the city, including Automotive, Tech, Aerospace, Defense, and Life Sciences. It has top-notch tourism sights, most of which receive four-to-five-star ratings. Two of the highly-rated local sights are the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge and the Mount Pleasant Pier.

The biggest drawback of living in Charleston is affordability, as it’s among the most expensive cities to live in South Carolina. Although, in comparison to Alexandria, housing costs are 41% less expensive in Charleston. The cost of living in this city is 4% higher than the national median. Budget-friendly hotel accommodation is available for about $75.

11. Burlington, VT

This is a street view of Church Street in Burlington, Vermont.

Burlington, a scenic, vibrant, cosmopolitan city, is the most populated in Vermont, US. It lies 72 km south of Canada and 79 km more south of Montreal. The estimated population as of the 2020 census is 42,899, about a third of Alexandria’s. The city is tourist-friendly and has several welcoming sites, bearing similarities to Alexandria. A great example is the Waterfront Park and for art fanatics, the Fleming Museum of Art.

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Burlington has great recreational centers, such as the Nelson Recreational Centre and the City of Burlington Parks and Recreation. In comparison to Alexandria, life in Burlington is slightly cheaper. The city’s main industry is manufacturing, followed closely by the electronics industry. The living cost is 21% above the national median. Hotel accommodation ranges about $45 for a 2-star hotel.

12. Salem, MA

This is a  close look at the red brick structures and walkways of Essex Street in Salem, MA.

Salem is a medieval coastal city in Essex County in Massachusetts, USA, on the North Shore, 45 minutes north of Boston. Unlike Alexandria, it is most known for the 1962 witch trials, when widespread panic led to more than 200 individuals being convicted of witchcraft and the execution of 20 innocent individuals. In 2019, the estimated population was 43,226, about a quarter of Alexandria’s.

Like Alexandria, it’s a lovely tiny city with a lot of historical value, a fantastic museum and gorgeous old residences, that’s well worth a trip. The major industries in the city are Social Assistance and Health Care with 4,020 employees, followed by Retail Trade, with approximately 2,810 employees. The living cost here is 31% above the national average. An average of $163 will get you decent hotel accommodation at a budget-friendly price.

13. Chatham, MA

This is a look at the docklands in St. Mary's Island located in Chatham.

Chatham is a hamlet in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, the US, located near the southeast extremity of Cape Cod. As of 2010, the estimated population was at 6,125, a huge difference in comparison to Alexandria. Named a “Distinctive Destination” in 2007 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, this magnificent coastal town is rich in history and has a lot to offer.

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The Preservation and Conservation areas in Chatham are evidenced by beautiful scenery. The city’s main industries are Social Assistance and Health Care, with 107 employees, followed by Retail Trade, with 93 employees. The living cost is above the national median at 160.7. Hotel accommodation is available for $100.

14. Cohasset, MA

This is a full view of a house on the coastal inlet of Cohasset, Massachusetts.

Cohasset is located in Norfolk County and is considered one of the greatest locations to reside in Massachusetts. Dwelling in Cohasset provides people with a minimal suburban atmosphere and unlike Alexandria, the majority of locals own their houses. The estimated population as of 2017 was 8,516.

This quintessential coastal town is a lovely and distinct seaside town with a rich history. Like Alexandria, it has lovely homes, breathtaking vistas, and major historical landmarks. Cohasset’s main industries are manufacturing, fishing, and agriculture industries. The living cost is 90.7% above the national median. You can find budget-friendly accommodation for $112.

15. Portland, ME

This is a coastal view of the town of Portland in Maine.

The most populous city in Maine, Portland, is Cumberland County’s seat. As of 2019, the city had an estimated population of 66,595, slightly below half that of Alexandria. Top industries were Social Assistance and Health Assistance with at least 6,545 employees, Retail Trade with at least 4,451 employees, and Education Services following closely, with 4,437 employees.

Unlike Alexandria, Portland, Maine, was named the #1 Coziest City in the US in 2020 and it is only growing in popularity with out-of-state tourists. The living cost is just 8.2% above the national average. An average of $100 will get you budget-friendly accommodation in the city.

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16. Falmouth, MA

Falmouth, Massachusetts, is one of the most attractive tourist resort townships on the Cape, with ferries to Martha’s Vineyard, miles of public and beachfront beaches, summery tropic gulf-stream waters for boating and beach fun, and the town’s famed picturesque Shining Sea Bike Path. The estimated population as of 2010 was 31,531. Significantly lower than Alexandria’s.

Falmouth’s leading industries are Science and Technology and Health care. The town is one of four townships on the Upper Cape and is known for its beach-town vacation atmosphere. There is no shortfall of exciting things to do in this city, like Alexandria – with a local vineyard, 10 beaches, a lovely downtown, and a fast ferry journey to adjacent Martha’s Vineyard.

The cost of living is above the national median at 151. Hotel accommodation would range to approximately $145.